Unpub 3View: Hostage Negotiator
BludleAs we approach Unpub 3 we’re featuring many of the games being presented at the big event. Today we're going to take a look at Hostage Negotiator from designer AJ Porfirio of Van Ryder Games.
In Hostage Negotiator players will be law enforcement agents responsible for negotiating the release of hostages taken by an unscrupulous figure hell bent on having his or her demands met. This is an intriguing prospect because this game is a 1 player enterprise in what seems like a 2 player concept. The game itself is the opponent and represents a conversation between the player and the hostage taker.
Referred to as a solitaire card game with a deckbuilding element (except, there is no deck...) Hostage Negotiator ranks among the most perplexing fascinating games coming to Unpub 3.
Let's hear what designer AJ Porfirio has to say about the creation and development of this highly unique game...
What was your Inspiration for Hostage Negotiator? I was just thinking of themes that would be unique and landed on Hostage Negotiation which is fascinating.
What is your favorite part of Hostage Negotiator? I think I would say the dice. It is my first design that uses dice where they actually work! Quite frequently the tension will build to the end game where it could very well come down to one roll of the dice.
To your knowledge, What do other people find most interesting about Hostage Negotiator? The theme catches folks attention right off. Then in the game itself the hand building mechanic and hand management.
What has been the most challenging part of designing Hostage Negotiator? Honestly it has been doing so knowing what the publisher constraints are regarding components. To be more precise, not allowing scope creep. I tend to want to add more and more to a game. This game needs to and does play quick and I really focused on keeping it that way.
What advice would you give to players attempting Hostage Negotiator for the first time? Don't be afraid to make the choice to end a conversation with the bad guy early. That is, don't feel like you have to unload every card in your hand because you can. It may be more beneficial to wait until next turn.
What has surprised you most in play-tests of Hostage Negotiator? A few folks didn't make the theme connection which was surprising to me. I am a theme guy and really focus on integrating the theme well. I missed the mark with some and the resulting feedback was great and allows me to address that which is fantastic!
People who like________ will like Hostage Negotiator. Why? This is so tough as I really do think the game is pretty unique. I guess I would say "deckbuilding" games as it has that sort of feel. Oh and "solitaire games" of course. I don't want to scare away folks that don't like deckbuilding though, because it doesn't have some of the elements (like frequent shuffling) that deckbuilding has.
What do you hope to accomplish at Unpub 3? Well my first goal is to hopefully find another game to publish for Van Ryder Games. Secondly, to get exposure and feedback on Hostage Negotiator.
Tell us anything else you want to say about Hostage Negotiator that I haven't asked or you haven't said already. Just that I'm looking forward to the event, and I know it may seem odd to have a solo game at a convention, but I'll have a table set up with 3-4 copies of the game ready to play. I think it will be perfect for folks to try out perhaps between some of the longer games.
Check out the Hostage Negotiator page on Unpub.net!
